As we experience this, we now have a taste of what Mom went through in all her years she spent watching and worrying over him, and genuinely concerned about his well-being. I have a memory of a time when he got really sick, and I could feel the whole environment of the house change from its usual relaxed, often light-hearted mood to a heavy somber one. It was clear how concerned my parents were, especially Mom.
Now as I come home while siblings stay with him, the house is unusually quiet and still. Dad is still there to take care of, but he isn't quite as dependent...yet. It's almost like a preview of my future, when no one here will need e anymore. What a strange life that will be!
Thankfully, as it currently appears, now is not that time. There's a good chance of change in the air, but in the direction of my brother's care rather than his passing. I'm fine with that. I'm just getting back into dealing with things following Mom's departure, and I'm not quite ready for his yet.
There's nothing like a good wake-up call to remind us the importance of life. It's really difficult right now being in the middle of it, but I know that at a later time it will be better in more ways than one.
